Video games, not legal games

When a software developer was sent a legal nastygram, he responded with a different kind of proposal to resolve the matter.

If all legal issues could be solved over a video game match the world might be a much happier place.

Mark Persson, the creator of Minecraft, has challenged Bethesda Software, the creators of the “Elder Scrolls” series, to a video game match over threats of a trademark infringement lawsuit. It’s sort of the modern day equivalent of calling for a duel.

Bethesda wrote that the title would confuse “Elder Scrolls” fans and damages its reputation. It’s classic legalese.

Persson’s did not respond with a legal retort.

Instead, he challenged Bethesda to a “Quake 3” match. “(Quake 3” is a first-person shooter from a third software company, id Software.)

“If we win, you drop the lawsuit,” Persson proposed. “If you win, we will change the name of Scrolls to something you’re fine with. Regardless of the outcome, we could still have a small text somewhere saying our game is not related to your game series in any way, if you wish.”

Bethesda has not responded to a comment request from the Daily Dot. It’s unclear if they’ve responded to Persson, but he has not posted their response on his blog.

In the meanwhile, Persson and his team should sharpen their first-person shooter skills. And probably use a good lawyer.